Summerland Trail - 8.4 Miles Round-Trip

Summerland Camp (5,928') is located 4.2 miles from the Fryingpan Creek Trailhead in Mount Rainier National Park. This venerable section of the Wonderland Trail, variously referred to as the Summerland Trail, rises through impressive old growth into idyllic meadows at the base of Mount Rainier (14,410') and Little Tahoma Peak (11,138').

Elk, goat and bear are drawn to this fecund habitat. Lush meadows, which may be snow-covered through late June, have short growing seasons that can trigger spectacular all-at-once blooms.

Summerland typifies the parkland - subalpine meadow ecosystem at Mount Rainier. This attractive destination sees heavy use throughout the summer, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds:

The trail heads south along Fryingpan Creek under a tall old growth canopy. Grades increase past 1.25 miles (4,100') on a steady, winding climb that levels across an open bank with a look at waterfalls pouring from the south valley wall (2.5 miles : 4,790').

The trail steepens over a gorge to a wide, cobbled channel along Fryingpan Creek. You can divert upstream to view its source at Fryingpan Glacier. An elevated bridge crosses a narrow braid (3.3 miles : 5,190') into patchy meadows with views of Rainier, Little Tahoma and Goat Island Mountain.

It steepens away from the creek onto winding switchbacks for a .7 mile, 600' push to Summerland Camp (4.2 miles : 5,928'). The trail continues through the meadows on steep intervals into an alpine zone below Fryingpan Glacier. Perennial snow covers much of the trail between Summerland and Panhadle Gap, but it's generally well-tracked and easy to follow.

It runs past the base of Meany Crest into a vast sprawl of tarns, gravel mounds, scattered boulders, streams, snowfields and waterfalls. The trail curls up a steep wall to Panhandle Gap (5.5 miles : 6,752'), a long thin saddle between the Fryingpan and Ohanapecosh River headwaters.

Views are simply stunning from this point. Note that steep, snow-covered sections between Summerland and Panhandle may require crampons and ice axes to safely scale and descend. Only prepared hikers should attempt this traverse.

Camping and Backpacking Information

Permits and current trail conditions are available at all wilderness information centers, visitor centers and ranger stations (360.569.2211).

Camp only in sites designated on your itinerary. Fires are not permitted anywhere in the backcountry.

All trail-side camps have primitive toilets, marked sites, poles for hanging food and a nearby water source.

Cross-Country Zone Camping: there are no maintained trails, campsites or amenities in cross-country zones. Camp at least 1/4 mile away from any road or established trail, and 100' from water sources. Cross-country camping is not permitted for those hiking the complete Wonderland Trail.

Summer Party Size Limit (May 15th - September 30th): 5 people per individual site or cross-country zone designation. Families are an exception to this rule (parents + children).

Winter Party Size Limit (October 1 - May 14th): 12 people per individual site or cross-country zone designation.

Groups (defined as 6 - 12 people) are permitted in 25 designated sites throughout the park, and when camping on snow in Alpine Zones.

Climbing Permits are required year-round for any day or overnight travel on glaciers or above 10,000', including Little Tahoma. The Climbing Permit also serves as the wilderness camping permit for overnight trips. Wilderness Camping Permits are free while a Climbing Permit requires the purchase of an annual Climbing Pass for each member of the party.

Fishing Information

A Washington State Fishing License is not required to fish in Mount Rainier National Park:

A Washington State catch record card is required to fish for salmon or steelhead and they must be accounted for as if caught in state waters.

Fishing regulations are specific to site, species, and season. Always contact the Park before setting out for the latest guidelines.